Once again, at the closing of this century, war is raging in Europe.

Once again people delude themselves into thinking their problems can be solved by turning to arms, violence, oppression; once again, as in an umpteenth tragic rerun, we are faced with grief, death, suffering, familles torn apart, elderly people forced to abandon their homes, children sinking in a nightmare that will mark their lives forever, women in tears, men without a future, hundred of thousands exiles and refugees fleeing for safety.

These pictures tear at the conscience of all men of goodwill, they cannot be ignored and leave us indifferent.

From the beginning of the conflict the Holy Father has repeatedly raised his voice in support of its victims, in a passionate appeal to all concerned to pursue the search for a peaceful solution.

In this context, and in order to give as much resonance as possible to the Holy Father's moving pleas, it seemed fit to issue a special stamp. The present one is an extraordinary issue, one stamp to be used for special delivery" extra postage (ESPRESSO), called un espresso per il Kosovo". The profit will be entirely destined to the victims of the fighting.

This initiative was actively supported from the outset by the Swiss corporation "Hél io Courvoisier" who took care of the printing, free of charge. We confide in the generosity of collectors and noncollectors so that "un espresso per il Kosovo" may rapidy reach its destination.

May the words of the Holy Father "The Pope is with the people who suffer and implores: it is always time for peace!", that appear on the stamp, reach out to the heart of all men of goodwill and encourage them to work for a true peace.

PHILATELIC AND NUMISMATIC OFFICE - GOVERNATORATO
00120 VATICAN CITY